Jackson County public meetings in 2024
23 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Planning Commission
The Jackson County Planning Commission will consider several applications to change zoning designations and future land use for properties in Hoschton, Jefferson, Nicholson, and Commerce. Items include a request to rezone 9.18 acres at US Highway 441 South/Ed Bennett Road from Agricultural Rural Farm to Community Retail Commercial for a stucco business, and a request to rezone 6.21 acres at 2680 US Highway 441 from CRC/GI to Light Industrial for a nursery. Additional applications seek to keep existing character area maps while changing future land use from commercial to residential for parcels on Highway 332, and a special‑use request for outdoor storage at the same Commerce site. The commission will also appoint a liaison to the Board of Adjustments and hold a public hearing on these matters.
- MA-24-0138 – 35.19 acres at 5631 Jackson Trail Road, Hoschton: change Character Area from Agricultural to Rural and Future Land Use from Agriculture/Forestry to Residential.
- MA-24-0146 – 9.93 acres at 1391 Thyatira-Brockton Road, Jefferson: keep Character Area Rural, change Future Land Use to Residential.
- RZ-24-0233 – 9.18 acres at US Highway 441 South/Ed Bennett Road, Nicholson: rezone from A‑2 (Agricultural Rural Farm) to CRC (Community Retail Commercial) for office and storage.
- RZ-24-0225 – 6.21 acres at 2680 US Highway 441, Commerce: rezone from CRC & GI to LI (Light Industrial) for a nursery.
- SU-24-0081 – 6.21 acres at 2680 US Highway 441, Commerce: special‑use request for outdoor storage/display within overlay district.
Board of Commissioners
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will vote on a consent agenda that includes architectural design contracts for New Kings Bridge Park, the Historic Braselton Gym, and a new EMS Headquarters, as well as contract amendments for the school board purchase agreement, inmate medical services, and health services. New business items include a request for an alcohol license for 42 Platinum, Inc., a road dedication for Bentwater Subdivision Phase 2, and renewals of legal and probation service contracts. The meeting also addresses numerous zoning proposals for agricultural, residential, commercial, and manufactured housing uses across the county.
- Approve architectural design services for New Kings Bridge Park (Hussey Gay Bell)
- Approve First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement with Jackson County Board of Education for property off Boone Road
- Approve amendment to inmate medical services contract with CorrectHealth Jackson, LLC for calendar year 2024
- Consider request for Class A-1, A-2, F-1, and F-2 alcohol license for 42 Platinum, Inc. in unincorporated Jackson County
- Consider request to dedicate roads and right‑of‑way within Bentwater Subdivision, Phase 2
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Board of Adjustments
The Jackson County Board of Adjustments will meet to approve minutes and conduct a public hearing on a request to reduce the side building setback from 40 feet to 20 feet for an accessory structure.
- Approval of November 7, 2024 Draft Minutes
- Public Hearing: VA-24-0293 (David McGee, 90 Windjammer Lane)
- Request to reduce side building setback from 40 feet to 20 feet
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will vote on appointments for multiple county boards and a resolution for a first responder PTSD program. A work session will discuss architectural services for New Kings Bridge Park, the Historic Braselton Gym, and EMS Headquarters Station #2.
- Resolution for ACCG-IRMA First Responder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Program
- Architectural design proposal for New Kings Bridge Park by Hussey Gay Bell
- Architectural design proposal for Historic Braselton Gym by Hussey Gay Bell
- Architectural design proposal for EMS Headquarters Station #2 by Goodwyn Mills Cawood
- Amendment to CorrectHealth Jackson, LLC agreement for inmate medical services
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
Planning Commission
The Jackson County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a series of rezoning applications. Applicants seek to change land from Agricultural Rural Farm District to Agricultural Residential, Manufactured Housing, or Residential districts to allow subdivision. The commission will also review two requests to modify the Character Area and Future Land Use maps. Decisions will be made during this meeting.
- RZ-24-0215: Rebecca Quintana, 885 Swain Road – rezoning from A-2 to AR for subdivision into 2 tracts
- RZ-24-0211: Barry Lord, 2572 Sandy Creek Road – rezoning from A-2 to AR for subdivision into 3 tracts
- RZ-24-0227: James Latty, 2437 Plainview Road – rezoning from A-2 to MH for subdivision into 2 tracts
- MA-24-0144: Mary Cooper, Winder Highway – change Character Area Map to Suburban and Future Land Use Map to Residential
- RZ-24-0231: Will White, Woods Bridge Road – rezoning from A-2 to R-1 for subdivision into 10 tracts
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will review a construction contract for a fleet maintenance and public works facility. Members will also consider the creation of two street light special tax districts and a variety of zoning and special use requests.
- Contract for Fleet Maintenance & Public Works Facility CMAR to Reeves Young for an estimated $818,608
- Proposed street light special tax districts for Eagles Crest and Creekside subdivisions
- Request to rezone 11.77 acres at Commerce Road/Wilhite Road for a 66-unit townhouse development
- Eight separate special use requests for mining, quarrying, or resource extraction by David Ellison
- Proposed revision to the Jackson County Government Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Board of Adjustments
The Jackson County Board of Adjustments meeting on November 7, 2024 will review several variance requests. The board will discuss an old‑business request (VA-24-0287) to reduce the side setback from 40 feet to 20 feet for an accessory structure at 2145 Old Winder‑Jefferson Highway. New‑business items include VA-24-0291, a request to reduce the county‑imposed stream buffer from 50 feet to 25 feet (while keeping the state‑imposed 25‑foot buffer) for a new single‑family home at 832 Walnut River Trail, and VA-24-0292, a request to reduce the southern zoning buffer from 25 feet to 12.5 feet at the same address. The agenda also contains routine items such as approval of minutes and public‑hearing procedures.
- VA-24-0287: Reduce side setback from 40 ft to 20 ft for accessory structure, 2145 Old Winder‑Jefferson Highway, 7.23 acres
- VA-24-0291: Reduce county stream buffer from 50 ft to 25 ft (state buffer remains 25 ft) for new single‑family home, 832 Walnut River Trail, 3.35 acres
- VA-24-0292: Reduce southern zoning buffer from 25 ft to 12.5 ft, 832 Walnut River Trail, 3.35 acres
- Approval of October 3, 2024 draft minutes
- Public hearing and reading of Board of Adjustments hearing procedures
Board of Commissioners
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will consider several intergovernmental agreement amendments, including extensions of water supply and treatment contracts. It will vote on a bond resolution and supplemental contract with the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority to fund the Bear Creek water‑treatment facility expansion. The board will also award contracts for the courthouse cooling‑tower replacement and for fleet‑maintenance facility construction. A resolution clarifying the duties of the Maysville Fire District Board is also on the agenda.
- First Amendment to the Intergovernmental Reservoir and Raw Water Supply Agreement – extends the agreement 50 years
- Second Amendment to the Intergovernmental Water Treatment and Transmission Agreement – extends term 50 years, updates entitlement share and cost‑sharing for 21 MGD expansion
- Bond Resolution and Supplemental Contract with Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority – Series 2024 and Series 2025 revenue bonds to finance Bear Creek water‑treatment expansion
- Award contract to Reeves Young for Fleet Maintenance & Public Works Facility Construction Manager at Risk – $818,608 (base bid $590,608 plus 2.85% construction cost)
- Award bid for County Courthouse Cooling Tower Replacement – Project #250006
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider an old‑business request (MA‑24‑0133) to change the Character Area Map from Rural to Urban and the Future Land Use Map from Residential to Commercial for 13.11 acres on US Highway 441 South in Commerce. The commission will also hear multiple new‑business applications, including rezoning requests for agricultural, commercial, and residential uses on parcels in Hoschton, Athens, Jefferson, and Commerce. Several special‑use applications for mining and quarrying on large parcels near Athens are also on the agenda. A public hearing will follow on November 18, 2024.
- MA‑24‑0133: Change Character Area Map (Rural→Urban) and Future Land Use Map (Residential→Commercial) for 13.11 acres on US Highway 441 South, Commerce.
- RZ‑24‑0212: Rezone 15.61 acres at 8167 Highway 124, Hoschton from A‑2 (Agricultural Rural Farm) to HRC (Highway Retail Commercial) for a convenience store, storage, and baseball training facility.
- RZ‑24‑0219: Rezone 11.77 acres at Commerce Road/Wilhite Road, Jefferson from A‑2 to R‑3 (Residential Multiple‑Family) for a 66‑unit townhouse development.
- SU‑24‑0072: Special‑use request for mining, quarrying, or resource extraction on 374.29 acres at Chandler Bridge Road, Athens.
- RZ‑24‑0220: Rezone 5.53 acres at 158 Bob Mann Road, Maysville from A‑2 to MH (Manufactured Housing) to subdivide into two tracts.
Board of Commissioners
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will consider several consent agenda items, including the FY 2025 contract with the Georgia Public Defender Council for indigent defense services and the annual capital improvement plan for the county airport. New business includes authorizing the sale of surplus vehicles and inventory, and reviewing a resolution for the Maysville Fire District. A proclamation recognizing Mr. Steve Syfan and Syfan Transport will also be voted on.
- Approve FY 2025 contract with the Georgia Public Defender Council for indigent defense services
- Approve annual Jackson County Airport Capital Improvement Plan
- Approve payout of unused Essential Leave Time
- Approve list of roads to be resurfaced under the 2025 GDOT Local Maintenance Improvement Grant
- Authorize surplus of excess vehicles and inventory through GovDeals or other distributors
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Board of Commissioners
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will consider several new business items, including approving the FY 2025 contract with the Georgia Public Defender Council for indigent defense services. They will also review the annual capital improvement plan for the Jackson County Airport and a payout of unused essential leave time. Additional items include a road resurfacing list under the 2025 GDOT Local Maintenance Improvement Grant and proposed addressing changes at the airport.
- Abandon Sky Harbor Dr and rename/extend airport roads (Lauren Dr to Aviation Way, Airport Hanger Rd to Airport Hangar Rd, extend Airport Rd, create Pilots Path)
- FY 2025 contract with the Georgia Public Defender Council for indigent defense services
- Annual Jackson County Airport Capital Improvement Plan approval
- Payout of unused Essential Leave Time
- Approval of 2025 GDOT Local Maintenance Improvement Grant road resurfacing list
Board of Adjustments
The Board of Adjustments will hold public hearings to consider four variance requests. These requests involve reducing setback requirements for accessory structures and a stream buffer for a new home.
- VA-24-0279: Request to reduce rear setback from 40 feet to 1 foot at 473 Kesler Road
- VA-24-0285: Request to reduce side setback from 40 feet to 12 feet at 132 Golden Nuggett Way
- VA-24-0286: Request to reduce stream buffer from 50 feet to 25 feet at 391 Masters Way
- VA-24-0287: Request to reduce side setback from 40 feet to 20 feet at 2145 Old Winder-Jefferson Highway
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to discuss several rezoning requests and map changes. These items include proposals for commercial developments, a townhouse complex, and land subdivisions.
- RZ-24-0219: Request to rezone 11.77 acres at Commerce Road/Wilhite Road for a 66-unit townhouse development
- RZ-24-0212: Request to rezone 15.61 acres at 8167 Highway 124 for a convenience store, storage facility, and baseball training facility
- SU-24-0067: Special Use request for outdoor storage/display at 8167 Highway 124
- MA-24-0133: Request to change Character Area Map from Rural to Urban and Future Land Use Map from Residential to Commercial for 13.11 acres on US Highway 441 South
- RZ-24-0216 and RZ-24-0217: Requests to rezone parcels on Archer Grove School Road and Potts Road for subdivision into tracts
Board of Commissioners
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will consider unfinished business items, including adopting the Fiscal Year 2025 budget resolution and adopting the County Millage Rate Certification forms (PT32.1, PT-35) and Tax Levy Resolution for Tax Year 2024. The board will also discuss new business such as a GDOT SFY26 5311 transit grant application, an update to the Jackson County Transit Title IV plan, and an objection to a recent annexation and rezoning request. Several zoning-related requests will be presented for changes to character area maps and rezoning of specific parcels.
- Adopt Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Resolution (public hearing)
- Adopt County Millage Rate Forms PT32.1, PT-35 and Tax Levy Resolution for Tax Year 2024
- Approve GDOT SFY26 5311 Transit Grant Application
- Objection to Jefferson Annexation/Rezoning R-24-12 and CU-24-J02
- Rezoning request MA-24-0137: change Character Area Map from Rural to Suburban for Woods Bridge Road
Board of Commissioners
The Board will hold a public hearing to adopt the PT32.1 and PT‑35 County Millage Rate Certification forms and the Tax Levy Resolution required for tax year 2024. The Board will also hold a public hearing to adopt the fiscal year 2025 budget resolution. Both items are required by state law.
- Public hearing to adopt PT32.1 County Millage Rate Form
- Public hearing to adopt PT‑35 County Millage Rate Certification
- Public hearing to adopt Tax Levy Resolution for tax year 2024
- Public hearing to adopt fiscal year 2025 budget resolution
Board of Adjustments
The Board of Adjustments will hold public hearings to consider requests for buffer and setback reductions. These decisions affect how close structures or septic lines can be built to streams and property lines.
- VA-24-0275: Request to reduce stream buffer from 50 feet to 0 feet at Highway 124 West
- VA-24-0280: Request to reduce stream buffer from 50 feet to 24 feet at 273 Scenic Falls Boulevard
- VA-24-0276: Request to reduce side setback from 40 feet to 15 feet at 530 P J Roberts Road
- VA-24-0277: Request to reduce stream buffer from 50 feet to 0 feet at 607 Antioch Church Road
Board of Commissioners
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners held a called meeting on September 4, 2024. Commissioners listened to a staff presentation of the proposed FY 2025 preliminary budget. The meeting included a review of that budget proposal. No other business items were listed.
- Presentation and review of the FY 2025 preliminary budget
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to consider several requests for rezoning and land use map amendments. These requests include proposals for commercial developments and changes to character area designations. The Board of Commissioners will address the recommendations on September 16, 2024.
- RZ-24-0212: Rezone 15.61 acres at 8167 Highway 124 for a convenience store, storage, and baseball training facility
- SU-24-0067: Special Use request for outdoor storage at 8167 Highway 124
- MA-24-0133: Change 13.11 acres at US Highway 441 South from Rural/Residential to Urban/Commercial
- MA-24-0137: Change 9.47 acres at Woods Bridge Road from Rural to Suburban
- RZ-24-0214: Rezone 3.42 acres at 2832 Commerce Road for an office
Board of Commissioners
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will consider a consent agenda that includes awarding a $3,195,000 construction contract to Sunbelt Builders for the county airport terminal and a $590,368 contract to Reeves Young for the New Kings Bridge Road Park. They will also recognize a $10,000 Keep America Beautiful grant for the MLK Day of Service mural project and discuss new business items such as a street‑light special tax district for Hampton Ridge and a deannexation request for 1.828 acres in Arcade. Additionally, the board will review numerous zoning and Unified Development Code amendment proposals.
- Award contract to Sunbelt Builders for Jackson County Airport Terminal – $3,195,000
- Award contract to Reeves Young for New Kings Bridge Road Park CMAR – $590,368
- Acceptance of $10,000 Keep America Beautiful grant for MLK Day of Service mural project
- Creation of a Street Light Special Tax District for Hampton Ridge subdivision
- Request for deannexation of 1.828 acres in Arcade (Tax Parcel 070/005F)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Board of Commissioners
The Board will adopt an increase in environmental health fees and approve a lease with Cave Springs Baptist Church. It will consider allocating opioid settlement funds to a treatment program and discuss unfinished items such as a gym use agreement, annexation support, and a rezoning request. The Board will also award contracts for the airport terminal and a new park, and then enter an executive session on real estate.
- Award contract to Sunbelt Builders for Jackson County Airport Terminal construction, $3,195,000, with SPLOST 7 budget amendment
- Award contract to Reeves Young for New Kings Bridge Road Park CMAR, $590,368, with SPLOST 7 budget amendment
- Request to rezone 7.38 acres at 4825 Highway 53, Hoschton from A-2 to NRC for a private school (RZ-23-0198)
- Intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Braselton for use of Historic Braselton Gym
- Adopt increase in Jackson County Environmental Health Fees as recommended by the Board of Health
Board of Adjustments
The Jackson County Board of Adjustments will meet to approve minutes and hear requests to reduce zoning buffers for a 43.02-acre property on Highway 124 West. The agenda includes four separate requests to reduce the western, northern, and eastern zoning buffers, as well as a request to eliminate a stream buffer.
- Approval of June 6, 2024 draft minutes
- Public hearing for VA-24-0272: reduce western zoning buffer from 100 feet to 0 feet
- Public hearing for VA-24-0273: reduce northern zoning buffer from 100 feet to 0 feet
- Public hearing for VA-24-0274: reduce eastern zoning buffer from 100 feet to 25 feet
- Public hearing for VA-24-0275: reduce county-imposed stream buffer from 50 feet to 0 feet
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several map amendments, rezoning requests, and special use permits. The body will also consider six text amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) covering building permits, fencing, and manufactured homes.
- Special Use requests for event venues at 1309 Porter Road and four parcels on Crows Lake Drive/Circle
- Rezoning of 12.79 acres at 1174 Apple Valley Road from A-2 to AR for 6 tracts
- Rezoning of 2.67 acres at 654 B Wilson Road from A-3 to R-1 for 2 tracts
- UDC amendments regarding fence permit height criteria and swimming pool fencing
- UDC amendments prohibiting the alteration of manufactured homes into accessory structures
Board of Commissioners
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will consider approving contracts for new EMS devices, park landscaping, and a performance agreement with Toyota Industries. The meeting also includes zoning requests for a private school, manufactured housing, and retail businesses.
- Award $358,765 contract for County Government Complex landscaping
- Consider naming JCCI Fire Station after Joe Dalton
- Authorize special tax district for Wehunt Meadows street lights
- Consider rezoning 7.38 acres to NRC for a private school
- Consider rezoning 2.02 acres to HRC for a pool contracting business